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Wondering how the new tax law will affect your charitable giving? Here’s a snapshot of some of the things that changed and stayed the same.

What changed that has many donors looking for additional ways to reduce their 2018 taxes?

Standard deduction was doubled ($12,000 single, $24,000 couples), meaning less people will itemize on their 2018 tax return. If you itemized on your 2017 tax return, look at line 40 on the 1040 form to see if you’re affected.

Deductions for state and local taxes are now limited to $10,000.

What stayed the same and can be used as an option for a charitable donation?

You pay no capital gains tax on gifts of appreciated securities or real estate, whether you itemize or not.

You can still make a gift from an IRA through the Qualified Charitable Distribution (available to those who are 70.5 years of age or older).

Email Patty Cline for information on making a gift of securities or from an IRA. Find more information about changes in the new tax law here on Liberty Lutheran’s website.

Iris, one of our household coordinators, recently experienced such a moment during a wine and cheese social. She had taken Mort, age 95, to the event. While there, Edith, a resident at Paul’s Run for the past six years, recognized Mort. The amazing part of this story is that Edith and Mort had lost track of one another decades ago.

“I hadn’t seen Mort since I was a young girl,” says Edith. “After I introduced myself I shared how I grew up with his wife. I would see him walking up the street to pick her up for dates. As we talked we shared fond memories, such as the two of them riding in a carriage right after their wedding. He teared up a bit, tears of joy.”

Mort was overjoyed. “When you come to a new community and people recognize you, it makes you feel good,” he says. “Edith remembered my wife, Jeanie, from before we were married. She told me how she teased Jeanie when I picked her up for dates by singing ‘Morty’s here! Morty’s here!’ It made me smile and feel young again.”

Iris recalls, “It was touching to see Edith recognize him. You could tell he was moved by the experience. As Edith was talking to him another resident came up to them and also recognized Mort. Suddenly all these memories were being shared between them. It was great to see.”

“Paul’s Run has meant a lot for Dad. He appreciates the social interaction and seeing people he knew as a young man,” Mort’s daughter Joan says. “Following his fall, we knew that he needed a place where he would be comfortable and his care needs would be met. The care and support he receives from such an amazing team of people has been exceptional.”

Mort’s time at Paul’s Run has also forged new bonds, including with those who share their talents to serve our residents on a daily basis. Speaking about Iris, Mort shared, “She’s something, God love her. She’s a comfort to me, she really is, and I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. Iris makes me feel good every day.”

Nursing is one of the Fine Arts: I had almost said the finest of Fine Arts. – Florence Nightingale

National Nurses Week is officially celebrated from May 6 to May 12. At Liberty Lutheran, and in all our communities, we recognize and applaud the work done by each and every member of our nursing staff. Day in and day out, our registered nurses (RN), certified nursing assistants (CNA), and licensed practical nurses (LPN) impact the lives of our residents in tremendous ways.

The American Nurses Association’s theme for National Nurses Week 2018 is ‘Nurses: Inspire, Innovate, Influence.” In recent letters from residents and their family members to the staff at Paul’s Run, Artman, The Village at Penn State, and The Hearth at Drexel, the words used to describe the nursing staff echoed that theme. Some of those words include: Helpful. Highly efficient. Sacred. Awesome. Wonderful. Respectful. Compassionate. Just like family.

“The care provided by our nursing staff is second to none,” said Dana O’Donnell, executive director of The Hearth at Drexel. “Their dedication to the wellbeing of each resident is unrivaled and their willingness to go the extra mile is heartwarming. Each day I witness acts of kindness and generosity that go above and beyond their regular duties. Whether it’s stopping to take part in a resident event, or offering an uplifting hug the compassion and skill of our team moves me daily.”

At Liberty Lutheran, our culture of leadership, caring, compassion, and at its core – excellence – is embodied in the everyday employees in our communities. They are driven by our mission and our commitment to the people we serve.

It is always refreshing and rewarding when a company has the ability to promote from within and can rely on an internal talent pool that is prepared to meet new challenges. At Liberty, we are proud to announce the following staff changes and promotions:

– Dana O’Donnell, currently the Executive Director of Liberty at Home, will assume the role of Executive Director at The Hearth at Drexel.

– Annamarie Daley, Director of Home Health Care for Liberty at Home, will assume the role of Liberty at Home’s new Executive Director.

– Susan Rothenberger, currently the Home Health Clinical Supervisor for Liberty at Home, will assume the role of Director of Home Health Care.

– Dana Guyton, currently the Support Services Director for Paul’s Run, has accepted the position of Personal Care Administrator.

Also, Liberty Lutheran would like to recognize the dedication of Linda Curto, Personal Care Administrator for Paul’s Run. Linda will retire in May after 25 years of service to Liberty Lutheran. The talent, skills, and knowledge she has shared with residents and her colleagues at Paul’s Run for the past two and a half decades has been a shining example for our entire family of services.

These changes are examples of Liberty’s commitment to investing in the future and success of those who share their talents and skills with our residents, members, patients, and clients on a daily basis. We are dedicated to providing opportunities that lead to professional development and advancement across our family of services.

To view current positions available at Liberty’s family of services, as well as the benefits of working for Liberty, please visit LibertyLutheran.org/careers.

February is officially designated as Heart Health Month. According to The Heart Foundation, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. The good news is that it is also one of the most preventable.

Dr. Christopher Pitsch, Medical Director at Liberty Lutheran’s Paul’s Run community, offers five questions he wishes his patients would ask.

Q: What is heart disease?
A: Though “heart disease” may be used to describe a few different conditions, it is most commonly used in reference to coronary heart disease, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged and cannot supply enough blood to the heart.

Q: What causes heart disease?
A: Heart disease starts with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a process in which fatty substances build up inside the walls of the arteries. Blood components can also begin sticking to the wall, causing a “plaque” buildup and narrowing/hardening of the vessels.

Q: What does high blood pressure have to do with heart disease?
A: Several years of high blood pressure can damage artery walls, causing them to become stiff and narrow. Though controlling our blood pressure is always important, there is more flexibility as we get older. Too aggressively lowering our blood pressure can cause problems as well.

Q: Is it OK to exercise?
A: Yes, regular exercise improves blood flow to the heart and makes the other muscles in the body more efficient, increasing their functional capacity as well as any medicine. As little as 10 minutes of an exercise you enjoy can go a long way.

Q: How can I lower my cholesterol?
A: Though sometimes medicine is required, healthy lifestyle changes can also make a big impact. Eating more fruits, lean meat, vegetables, and fish can go a long way, while eating less organ meats, egg yolks and fats.

Dr. Pitsch recommends that everyone should have an open and honest conversation with their doctor about heart disease and the prevention of heart disease.

At Liberty Lutheran, we are keeping a close watch on the proposed changes to the United States tax code. While the changes have yet to be finalized, there are aspects being proposed that may affect the residents and members of our communities.

For the seniors in our care, there are two major changes that could affect their wellbeing and their carefully constructed budgets that were planned years in advance.

Any proposed changes in Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, services many of our residents rely on, would mean more out of pocket expenses. Changes in medical deduction allowances affect seniors disproportionately as many have come to rely on those deductions.

Combined, these changes could be devastating to our residents who live on fixed-incomes. As they exhaust their savings much earlier than ever expected, this could lead to more residents depending on Liberty’s benevolent care program.

There are two other ways to make a gift and save on taxes by the end of the year.

Consider donating appreciated stock, bonds or mutual fund shares, which allows you to take a charitable deduction for the fair market value of the stock and avoid the capital gains tax that you would pay if you sold the shares and then donated the proceeds to Liberty Lutheran. Click here for more information.

Some people have found that a convenient way to support Liberty Lutheran is through a tax benefit known as the Charitable IRA Rollover. For those who are 70½ years of age or older, this benefit allows you to give up to $100,000 from an IRA to a charity, with the donation counting towards your minimum required distribution. The benefit – the donor can deduct the full amount of the donation from gross income for tax purposes. Click here for more information on IRAs.

We are truly grateful for your support and friendship, and hope you will consider Liberty Lutheran Services among your year-end charitable giving decisions.

Thanksgiving is a time when we traditionally pause to consider everything we appreciate about our lives and those that surround us. It also reminds us that there are many worthy causes that need our support.

After you finish your “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” holiday shopping, please consider giving back to your community and helping so many in need with a gift to Liberty Lutheran on what is known as “Giving Tuesday” – Tuesday, November 28.

Help Bring Nature’s Beauty to Seniors
Nature is medicine for the soul. At Paul’s Run, nature abounds in our gardens and outdoor spaces. Located throughout our property, these specially designed and maintained areas inspire and bring joy to our residents.
Help us raise $3,000 to delight the hearts and souls of the Paul’s Run community by sustaining and improving our gardens – The Friendship Garden, The Secret Garden, and the Liberty Walk Garden.You can make your gift here.

Help Improve the Health & Wellbeing of West Philly Seniors
Health is a blessing, never to be taken for granted. With your help, the West Philadelphia Senior Community Center can save another life.
LCFS’ West Philadelphia Senior Community Center stands as an integral resource for older adults in West Philadelphia, providing services to one of the city’s most underserved communities. Daily we are improving lives through nutrition and wellness programs.You can make your gift here.

Liberty Lutheran and our Family of Services are proud to join other organizations, charities, community centers, businesses, families, students and others from across the world for the #GivingTuesday philanthropic movement.

You can follow the progress of our #GivingTuesday campaigns by following Liberty Lutheran on Twitter @LibertyLutheran.

A special message from Luanne Fisher, President and CEO of Liberty Lutheran:

Ruth, Herman, and Sally are once again embracing life. With your help, Liberty continues to procure the resources, talent and technology that inspire these seniors—as well as many others—to greet each day with joy.

Because of your kind generosity, Ruth*, who copes with challenges in cognition and speech, has replaced distress and listlessness with a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder.

Herman*, who struggles with memory loss, has replaced withdrawal and separation with renewed joy in friends and fellowship.

Where at one time she faced failing health and was gripped by despair, today Sally is at a healthy weight, maintains a wholesome diet, and is full of energy and optimism.

For Ruth, It’s Never 2 Late (iN2L) is the catalyst that is drastically improving her well-being. This new technology was made possible by the generosity of donors like you. Designed specifically for memory impaired seniors, iN2L consists of an easy-to-use tablet or touch screen computer that is pre-loaded with personalized activities and individual profile pages for each resident comprised of familiar photos, music, videos, and more.

“Before iN2L, Ruth would constantly pace and continually repeat herself. It was a strain for her emotional and physical well-being. However, with the colorful and interactive activities made available by iN2L, she has become very engaged. iN2L has made such an important impact, not only on Ruth’s recreational needs, but her physical and emotional ones as well,” says Megan Calel, a Household Coordinator at The Hearth at Drexel, Liberty’s personal care and memory care community in Bala Cynwyd.

Herman is once again experiencing life’s small pleasures through the magic of music. “Herman is non-verbal and never chooses to participate in activities. But we’ve had the incredible honor to witness how music has in some way spoken to him. Recently, when I led a group in singing When the Saints Go Marching In, I was delighted to catch Herman mouthing the words. It was extraordinary to see him so present and engaged,” says Molly Bybee, who spearheads music therapy at Liberty’s Paul’s Run senior living community.

Molly frequently uses instruments, headphones, and portable digital media players to enrich her group and one-on-one music therapy sessions. Your gift secures these instruments and devices and replaces any items which worn from use.

Sally’s renewed joy of living grew out of the resources and support provided by LCFS’ West Philadelphia Senior Community Center (WPSCC). During her most debilitating period—when she needed unconditional encouragement and strength more than anything else in her life, WPSCC was there to build up her hope and fortitude. Through WPSCC’s fitness training, and its classes in exercise, disease management, nutrition, and healthy cooking, Sally has been able to successfully reclaim her health and her happiness. She is proud to say without reservation that “WPSCC saved my life.”

Sally continues to rely on WPSCC to maintain her good health—as do many of her peers. And, it is your support that offers critical, life-enriching training, classes, and opportunities to vulnerable seniors.

Liberty is firmly committed to strengthening the lives of older adults through inspiration, innovation, and compassionate care.

A special message from Katrina Wise,Executive Director of Paul’s Run Retirement Community:

What does a garden mean to you? The English philosopher Francis Bacon saw the garden as the purest of human pleasures. American writer and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson said that earth laughs in flowers. And French painter Claude Monet believed his garden to be his most beautiful masterpiece.

ToPaul’s Run resident Angie the garden provides the perfect backdrop to friends and fellowship. “Being able to enjoy the outdoors with friends lifts your spirit,” she says. Paul’s Run resident Emma champions the outdoors as an antidote to bolster well-being, and suggests one can get a daily dose of happiness by walking in the garden.

The garden means harmony, joy and rejuvenation to Angie, Emma and all of our beloved residents, who now, because of your continued interest and support, can enjoy a new outdoor space known as the Friendship Garden.

This enchanting refuge—which envelopes a serene walking path, lovely flowers, and soothing water feature—is a tranquil space where residents and family members can meditate, pray, reminisce, or simply soak up the pleasures of nature.

“I am more myself in a garden than anywhere else on earth.” ~Author and gardening expert Doug Green

Julie Stumpf, Director of Spiritual Life, reflects these beautiful words when she describes the Friendship Garden. “Residents are commenting on the garden’s appeal. It has elements of stillness, yet also movement of life that is represented by a gentle fountain.”
“This garden is a special place—a place that engages the senses and the spirit through flowers, colors, and the sound of water. It is apart from the busyness of the community and its high traffic areas. Here residents can experience the divinity of nature in a space that is organic and still,” says Julie.

The Health Care Center at Paul’s Run is entering a new age of genetic testing as part of its commitment to world-class excellence in resident care and service.

Now, through a small DNA sample, which is procured through a simple swab of the inside of the mouth/cheek, clinical staff at Paul’s Run are able to quickly pinpoint the most effective medications for residents. The entire process yields results within five days—a breakthrough that Dolores Redner, Director of Health Services, says is astonishing.

“One of the difficulties doctors and nurses face in providing care is finding out which medications are best for an individual. In the past, trial and error was the only way possible to see how a resident would react to a medication. This process could take weeks and lead to frustration for residents and families,” she says.

Ultimately, the genetic testing will transform how medications are chosen to optimize treatment for residents. The DNA sample will paint a picture of how a person’s genetic makeup reacts to certain types of medications, providing insight that eliminates the inconvenience of trial and error by enabling staff to rapidly zero in on the medicines that are likely to be the best match for each particular resident.

Outcomes are expected to be very positive. Existing research on individuals whose care has been guided by this kind of genetic testing shows they experienced 70% greater improvement in depressive symptoms, as well as notable improvements in remission rates and response to drug interactions.

The entire process, which is covered by most insurance, is painless, non-invasive and time-saving. “Since DNA never changes, we only need to test a resident one time,” says Dolores.